Looking Ahead: Education, Connection and Community This Fall
September was an exciting month for the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) as we welcomed more than 200 people to our 2026 Caring for Parkinson’s – Caring for You Signature Symposium. We are grateful to everyone who joined us, including individuals with Parkinson’s and care partners, knowledgeable speakers, partner organizations, and sponsors who helped make the day possible. From educational sessions and movement opportunities to conversations focused on living well with Parkinson’s, the Symposium was a wonderful reminder of the power of bringing our community together.
As we look ahead, we’re continuing to bring education, connection, and support directly to local communities across the Carolinas. EmpowerED: Parkinson’s Education & Connection will take place November 7 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Education Center at Eastern AHEC in Greenville, NC, featuring an educational program, movement class, and meal for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. We’re also looking forward to the PAC Charity Golf Classic on November 16. Registration for teams opens October 1, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Whether you attend a program, join us for an event, or support PAC as a sponsor or partner, there are many ways to stay connected this fall.
Tools for Your Journey: Education & Support Programs
We invite you to join us for PAC’s October programs designed to support, educate, and connect the Parkinson’s community.
Virtual Support Group: Advocating For Your Care with Parkinson’s
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Online via Zoom
This month’s Virtual Support Group will feature PAC’s Program Director, Gillian Schultz, as she discusses advocating for your care with Parkinson’s. Gillian will share helpful tips and strategies for communicating your needs and navigating your care, followed by an open conversation where participants can share strategies and experiences of their own.
Wednesday Webinar: GO for More with GOCOVRI
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wednesday Webinar will feature Robert C. Wiggins, MD, with Novant Health, as he discusses GOCOVRI®, a medication used to reduce both dyskinesia and OFF time in people with Parkinson’s disease. The program will cover how Parkinson’s disease is managed, what dyskinesia is and how it differs from OFF, questions to ask your doctor, and how GOCOVRI may help increase “GOOD ON” time.
Webinar Sponsored by Supernus Pharmaceuticals
Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group
Thursday, October 15, 2026 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Hybrid: PAC Office (2101 Sardis Road North, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC) OR Online via Zoom
The Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD) Support Group explores connection, shared understanding, and practical support for individuals living with YOPD. Designed to address the unique challenges of navigating Parkinson’s at a younger age — including career, family, and long-term planning considerations — this welcoming space offers meaningful conversation, encouragement, and the reminder that you don’t have to face this journey alone.
Wellness Wednesday: Medicare 101
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Online via Zoom
This month’s Wellness Wednesday will explore what you need to know during open enrollment, with Michelle Wood, DC Program Administrator, sharing helpful information and tips to help you understand your options and prepare for the upcoming enrollment period.
Mark Your Calendar: EmpowerED Parkinson’s Education & Education - Greenville, NC
📅 Saturday, November 7, 2026
🕑 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Education Center at Eastern AHEC, Greenville, NC
PAC invites you to EmpowerED: Parkinson’s Education & Connection, a half-day event designed to bring education and support directly to local communities across the Carolinas. Join us for an educational program, movement class, and meal created for people with Parkinson’s and their care partners.
Registration will open soon! Stay tuned for more details and registration information.
PAC is proud to partner with Smart Patients, an online community for patients and care partners affected by Parkinson’s community.
The online peer-to-peer support of the Smart Patients Parkinson’s Disease Community complements PAC’s support and resources, to make a difference in the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones.
Join Smart Patients, ask questions for yourself, and support others who can learn from your experiences.
Did you miss one of PAC’s virtual programs? You can catch up anytime by visiting the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas YouTube Channel, where selected recordings are available to watch.
Be sure to subscribe so you’ll be notified when new content is posted!
Need help registering for a program? Call us at (980) 245-2786 or toll-free at (866) 903-PARK (7275). Our team will be happy to assist you.
Find a Support Group
Living with Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. PAC maintains a listing of support groups across the Carolinas for individuals with Parkinson’s and their care partners. These groups provide a safe and welcoming space to share experiences, learn from others, and build meaningful connections within the community. To learn more about a support group near you, call us at (980) 245-2786 or email gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org.
Free Resource Hotline
Need answers or support? PAC’s Free Resource Line is here to help. Staffed by a PAC team member Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, this service provides reliable information, local resources, referrals, and details about our cost-free programs.
Give us a call at (866) 903-PARK (7275) or email pac@parkinsonassociation.org to connect with the support you need.
Get Moving with PAC: Movement Therapy Programs
Exercise and movement are powerful tools for living well with Parkinson’s. Regular participation can improve balance, flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life. PAC is proud to sponsor a variety of exercise and movement therapy classes each month, designed to meet you where you are and keep you moving forward.
To join in, please contact the individual instructors listed below for class details and registration. You can also explore the full list of PAC-sponsored exercise classes on our website.
Looking for even more options? Additional exercise programs are available throughout the Carolinas. Find classes in North Carolina, South Carolina, and online or call (980) 245-2786 or email gschultz@parkinsonassociation.org to learn more.
Disclaimer: We ask that you practice caution when participating in all programs, particularly exercise programs. Talk to your doctor about what program would be best for you, stay hydrated, exercise in a safe environment, move at your own pace, and try to exercise with a partner or an accredited instructor.
📅 Every Tuesday
🕑 12:00 PM
📍 Online via Zoom
Finding ways to stay active and maintain mobility can be an important part of living well with Parkinson’s. PAC’s Virtual Therapeutic Yoga class with instructor Aminta offers a welcoming opportunity to move, stretch, and build strength from the comfort of home.
Held every Tuesday at noon on Zoom, this class is designed with the needs of people with Parkinson’s in mind. Therapeutic yoga can help support functional mobility, improve balance, and reduce gait disturbances and other motor symptoms. Participants are encouraged to move at their own pace, and no previous yoga experience is needed.
This month, the Moving with the PAC Challenge is all about finding your rhythm! Rhythmic movement, including walking, dancing, marching, and pedaling, can be a fun way to stay active while working on movement skills that support everyday life. This month, challenge yourself to add safe, rhythmic movement to your routine each week. Put on your favorite music and dance, take a walk to a steady beat, march in place, or find a cycling routine that works for you.
Looking for a way to get moving with others? Join PAC’s Pedaling for Parkinson’s program in Southport, NC, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:45 AM. Pedaling can support functional mobility, balance, gait, and motor symptoms. Or try Dance for Parkinson’s, held virtually Mondays at 11:00 AM. Dance can help support endurance, strength, balance, and motor symptoms. Whether you join a PAC program or find your own rhythm at home, make movement part of your week and keep Moving with the PAC!
Keep tracking your progress throughout September and see how movement can help you feel your best!
Ready to get moving? Find a movement or exercise class near you at parkinsonassociation.org/exercise and learn more about the Moving with the PAC Challenge at parkinsonassociation.org/2026-moving-with-the-pac-challenge/.
Share your progress with us by posting your movement tracker or a picture on social media and tagging PAC or sending us an email.
Make an Impact: Partnering with PAC
📅 Monday, November 16, 2026
📍 Raintree Country Club | Charlotte, NC
🏌️ Format: Four-Person Scramble
⏰ Shotgun Start: 10:00 AM
💰 Foursome: $800 | Registration opens October 1
Join us for the PAC Golf Classic for Parkinson’s, where every swing helps make a meaningful difference for people living with Parkinson’s disease across the Carolinas. Your participation directly supports the PAC’s’ cost-free programs and services, providing hope, knowledge, and community for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners, and their families.
Whether you join us as a golfer, sponsor, or supporter, your involvement helps PAC continue providing resources and programs to the Parkinson’s community.
The tournament will feature a four-person scramble with a 10:00 AM shotgun start. Registration for foursomes opens October 1, with a team price of $800. Corporate and sponsorship opportunities are also available, including Gold, Silver, Hole, and other sponsorship levels. Several sponsorship opportunities have already sold out, so businesses interested in supporting this event are encouraged to secure their sponsorship soon. Questions? Contact Joanna Chantemerle at jchantemerle@parkinsonassociation.org.
Sponsorship opportunities are available! Sponsorship packages offer businesses opportunities to support PAC while receiving recognition throughout the event, online, on the course, and through PAC’s communications.
Thank You to our Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Boxed Lunch Sponsor
Southminster
Beverage Cart Sponsors
Watson Insurance
Pure Intentions Coffee
Hole-in-one Sponsor
Amwins
Hole Sponsor
Maggie Clay Love Consulting
Williams Automotive Group
The Outkasts
ADP Totalsource
Baird Private Wealth Management
PAC's Mission in Motion
PAC’s Signature Symposium Brings Education, Support, and Hope to the Parkinson’s Community
“This was my first Parkinson’s symposium, having been diagnosed in December of last year. I did not realize just how much I still had to learn. At several points during the day, I found myself quite emotional as I met people who were compassionate, informative, and genuinely willing to connect me with ‘the right person’ for additional guidance and support.”
PAC Board Comes Together to Plan for the Year Ahead
In Late August, the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas Board of Directors gathered in person for our annual retreat and what a meaningful time it was!
Together, we connected, reflected, and engaged in thoughtful strategic planning to strengthen our impact for the new fiscal year. Our focus remains clear: expanding resources, enhancing educational opportunities, growing movement therapy programs, and deepening our network of support for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
We are incredibly grateful to our dedicated board members who generously share their time, expertise, and passion to help PAC continue to grow and thrive. A special thank you to Maggie Clay Love Consulting for expertly facilitating our retreat and guiding productive, forward-focused conversations. We’re energized and inspired for the year ahead!
PAC Recognized for Service to the Parkinson’s Community
Our Executive Director, Joanna Chantemerle had the honor of attending Jurisdictional Reception and Awards Breakfast in Winston Salem for the 154th Grand Communication of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge and the 123rd Grand Session of the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. This special event is part of their ongoing commitment to supporting charitable initiatives, education and community service efforts throughout their jurisdiction. PAC was recognized for the meaningful and impactful work we provided in the Carolinas, and was presented with a generous charitable donation in appreciation of PAC’s service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others.
Connecting Communities with Parkinson’s Education, Support, and Resources
Beyond PAC: Community Education Corner
In addition to PAC’s local offerings, we’re pleased to highlight educational webinars and resources from respected regional and national organizations. These free virtual sessions and events provide valuable insights into living well with Parkinson’s and often cover topics relevant to overall wellness, caregiving, and brain health.
Free Webinar: Finding the Signs of Parkinson's
Thursday, October 15, 2026
12:00 PM | Online via Zoom
This webinar explores emerging tools and biomarkers that could help identify Parkinson’s disease earlier, improve understanding of disease progression, and provide greater insight into treatment. Learn from an expert panel how these advances may support research and move us closer to personalized medicine.
Hosted by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research
Free Webinar: Smart Technology for Independent Living
📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM | Online via Zoom OR Richland Library North Main, Columbia, SC
This webinar explores how technology can make aging easier, safer, and more connected. Learn how simple tools, including medical alert systems, video calls, and smart home devices, can support health, independence, and staying connected. No tech experience needed, just curiosity!
Hosted by the University of South Carolina College of Social Work
Free Webinar: Development of Potential Cell Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 2:00 PM | Online via Zoom
This webinar explores emerging cell therapy approaches for Parkinson’s disease, including bemdaneprocel, currently being studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial. With extensive experience in clinical development and translational neuroscience, Dr. Benjamin Hoehn, Vice President of Clinical Development at BlueRock Therapeutics, will provide insight into the research and development of potential new approaches to Parkinson’s disease.
Hosted by the Independent Parkinson’s Network
Parkinson's Community News
Staying informed is key to living well with Parkinson’s. Explore the latest research breakthroughs, innovative therapies, helpful resources, and news that support every step of your Parkinson’s journey. You’ll also find opportunities to get involved in studies shaping the future of care. Click the headlines below to learn more and stay connected!
FDA Approves Tavapadon for Parkinson’s Motor Symptoms
The FDA has approved tavapadon (Juvmo), a once-daily oral medication for treating motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As a new dopamine agonist, tavapadon works by targeting specific dopamine receptors involved in movement and was studied in people with both early-stage and progressing Parkinson’s disease. Clinical trials found that tavapadon improved motor symptoms and daily activities when used alone in people with earlier Parkinson’s, and when added to levodopa, it increased “on” time and reduced “off” time. Common side effects included nausea, headache, and dizziness. Tavapadon offers another treatment option for people with Parkinson’s, although individual benefits and side effects can vary and should be discussed with a Parkinson’s care team. Read More.
New Financial Assistance Available for Patients with Neurocognitive Diseases and Psychosis
The Patient Advocate Foundation has launched a new TotalAssist fund to help eligible patients living with neurocognitive diseases with psychosis manage the cost of their healthcare. The fund provides up to $6,000 per year that can be used toward eligible expenses, including medication copays, coinsurance, deductibles, health insurance premiums, treatment-day office visit charges, and related administration fees. Because Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions can be associated with psychosis, this new resource may provide valuable financial support for eligible individuals and their care partners who are facing the added costs of treatment. Read More
Mighty Therapeutics Partners with the POLG Foundation to Develop Novel Preclinical Model for POLG Mitochondrial Disorders and Parkinson’s Disease
Mighty Therapeutics has announced a new research collaboration focused on understanding the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers will develop a novel preclinical model combining POLG mutations with other genetic changes associated with Parkinson’s to better study how these factors may contribute to neurodegeneration. The company is also evaluating bevemipretide, an investigational mitochondria-targeted therapy for Parkinson’s disease. The research remains in the preclinical and investigational stages but may help researchers better understand Parkinson’s disease mechanisms and explore potential new treatment approaches. Read More.
In Memoriam: Honoring Our Parkinson’s Community
We recognize that the Parkinson’s journey touches not only those living with the disease, but also the families, friends, and loved ones who walk alongside them. In this space, we honor and remember members of our Parkinson’s community who have passed away.
This In Memoriam section is a way to celebrate their lives, share their stories, and acknowledge the lasting impact they’ve had on those around them. We invite families and loved ones to submit a tribute to recognize someone special who has been part of our community.
If you would like to learn more about including a loved one in this section, please contact:
Joanna Chantemerle
Executive Director
📧 jchantemerle@parkinsonassociation.org
📞 (980) 245-2786
We are honored to help preserve and share the memories of those who will always remain part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas community.
Update your PAC Communication Preferences
We’re updating our emails to match your preferences, so you only receive the updates that matter most. Quickly choose the types of emails you want, like the monthly newsletter, programs & events, donor updates, volunteer opportunities, or special communications, to stay informed and avoid messages that aren’t relevant to you. It only takes a few seconds and ensures you never miss important PAC updates.
Stay Connected with PAC Online
How can I engage with PAC on social media?
Follow PAC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates on Parkinson’s disease and how PAC supports you. Click Follow or Like so PAC’s posts appear in your newsfeed. When you see a post, let us know you enjoyed it by tapping the thumbs-up (Facebook) or heart (Instagram) icons.
In addition to regular posts, PAC also shares Stories on Facebook and Instagram. These appear at the top of your feed. Look for PAC’s tulip icon, tap to view the story, and click the heart to show your support. You can also send us a message to share your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!
